As avid design lovers and travel enthusiasts, we find special delight in discovering destinations that showcase stunning architecture and decor. Whether it’s for a weekend or a longer holiday, there’s something so special about embracing our passions across the map. So often, though, we set our sights on land, which begs the question: What about the water? As popular as ocean voyages have become, today we’re here to explore the best river cruises in Europe.
Considering the world is made up of roughly 70 percent water, it’s only natural to want to navigate the waterways that connect some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Fortunately for us, whether your dream destination is in France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Portugal, or Spain, there are plenty of European river cruises to guide you along the way.
Like all the hotels, resorts, and oceanliners that we feature, these European river cruises tout the most luxurious accommodations and amenities to ensure ultimate relaxation, inspiration, and rejuvenation onboard. Ready to book your next trip? Discover the best luxury river cruises in Europe, below.
Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruises, an offshoot of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, is renowned for being luxurious yet laidback. The cruise line offers both ocean and river cruises, including voyages along the Rhône, Saône, and Douro Rivers. Whether you’re looking to explore Central Europe, France, or Portugal, Emerald Cruises showcases various itineraries ranging from eight to 11 days.
From a design perspective, Emerald Cruises’ river ships (referred to as “Star-Ships”) are bright and contemporary, featuring sprawling spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows for breathtaking panoramic views of the river and its surroundings. Meanwhile, Star-Ship amenities include a three-tiered atrium, heated pool, cinema, fitness studio, and more.
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Emerald Cruises
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Riverside Luxury Cruises takes guests down the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Main, Mosel, and Saône Rivers in impeccable style. The cruise line has a fleet of three, all-suite ships brimming with bespoke design and beautiful details, like ultra-plush king-size beds and beautiful marble bathrooms, that might make it difficult to step back onto land.
Crafted with romantic modern flair and a nod toward poetry and music, the Riverside Luxury Cruises ships are an absolute sight to behold—and that’s before even considering the various awe-inspiring European destinations they travel to, including Budapest, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Vienna, Lyon, and Amsterdam.
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Riverside Luxury Cruises
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways has an impressive fleet of 23 European river ships with a 24th on the way. With cruises that explore the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Seine, Saône, Dordogne, and Douro Rivers—just to name a few—AmaWaterways has one of the most expansive Europen river route offerings.
Whether you book a journey through Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, or Spain, AmaWaterways offers the most luxurious accommodations, showcasing spacious balconies and white marble bathrooms, along with notable amenities like an onboard salon, massage parlor, and more.
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AmaWaterways
APT Luxury Travel
APT River Cruises is an Australian travel concept with itineraries exploring Europe and Asia. In 2025, guests can cruise down the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Douro rivers in exceptional style with APT. Where many riverboats are white, the APT Solara and Ostara stand out with rich matte navy exteriors paired with light and bright contemporary interiors that are as luxe as they are inviting.
Beyond the beautiful design, the APT River Cruises European ships feature six delectable dining venues, panoramic communal spaces, fresh and serene cabins, a rooftop pool, and more.
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APT Luxury Travel
Viking River Cruises
Viking is one of the most recognizable river cruise lines. With a fleet of ships designed specifically to sail the Douro, Elbe, and Seine Rivers, Viking prides itself on its state-of-the-art engineering earmarked with Scandinavian interiors. Each ship within the European river fleet boasts outward-facing staterooms with sweeping views, along with common spaces throughout.
For the best river cruising experience, consider upgrading to a Veranda Suite, complete with a private balcony to take in the serene surroundings.
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Viking River Cruises
Scenic Cruises
Scenic Cruises is the other offshoot of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Of the two cruise companies under the umbrella, Scenic is the more outwardly luxurious option. With itineraries exploring the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Saône, Bordeaux, and Douro Rivers, Scenic has something for every travel aspiration. Beyond the waterways that they traverse, the Scenic river ships (referred to as “Space-Ships”) make a stunning statement all on their own.
The sleek, modern ships are spacious and sumptuously decorated for the most stunning river exploration possible. For the very best views and the most opulent stay (with butler service to boot), book a Diamond Deck stateroom.
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Scenic River Cruises
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Publish date : 2024-10-16 14:50:00
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The post The 6 Best River Cruises Around Europe to Consider Now first appeared on Love Europe.
Author : love-europe
Publish date : 2024-10-16 22:01:17
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
